Netanyahu Defends Gaza War at UN, Sparks Walkouts & Controversy
Netanyahu Defends Gaza War at UN, Sparks Walkouts & Controversy
Israeli PM Netanyahu delivered a fiery UN address, calling Gaza war "opposite of genocide" and slamming critics. Delegates walked out amidst global tensions.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered a highly contentious address to the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Thursday, fiercely defending Israel's war in Gaza and lambasting his critics as he faces increasing international isolation and an impending election challenge at home.
Netanyahu used the global platform to decry what he labeled a "global anti-Jewish conspiracy" and adamantly stated that Israel's actions in Gaza were "the opposite of genocide." His speech also took aim at various figures, including New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, whom he controversially branded as "antisemitic," as well as Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and left-wing commentator Hasan Piker.
His fiery remarks prompted a significant response within the General Assembly Hall. Dozens of delegates, following a Palestinian call, staged a walkout as Netanyahu began his speech. A speaker was reportedly forced to pound his gavel to restore order.
Palestinian representatives stated their intention was to
send a clear message to Netanyahu and his government that no one is willing to aid, abet, or be complicit in its genocide and war crimes and illegal occupation.
Netanyahu, undeterred, challenged any "moral cowards" in the audience to walk out before he even began his prepared remarks.
The Israeli leader also addressed the perceived existential threat from Iran, claiming that several missiles from Tehran could have obliterated the UN building. He referred to the destruction of Iran's nuclear facilities as "one of the easiest decisions" he'd ever made as prime minister, suggesting that had it not been done, "we'd all be dead." He also asserted that some world leaders quietly supported Israel's actions, even if they couldn't voice it publicly.
In a contrasting message, Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas, speaking via video from Ramallah, condemned Israel's policies in Gaza, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem as a "malicious colonial plan" aimed at establishing a "Greater Israel" and eradicating the Palestinian presence. Abbas highlighted the severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the expansion of settlements in the West Bank, arguing that the Israeli government now "threatens the very" existence of a Palestinian state.
Netanyahu's address, delivered just hours after Abbas claimed his delegation was denied visas by the previous administration to attend the meeting, revealed little new policy regarding the war in Gaza, settler violence in the West Bank, or plans for other regional conflicts. Instead, it served as a powerful, defiant message to his right-wing base ahead of upcoming elections, echoing his late brother's rallying cry: "We are going to win.
We have no other choice."
